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In Re: Dieter Meyer,
Respondent
STATE ETHICS C01MMISSION
FINANCE BUILDING
613 NORTH SIRIEET ROOM 309
�7120-0400:
HARRISBURG, FIA
File Docket:
Order No.
Date Decided:
Date Mailed:
21-025
1818
4/12/23
4/14/23
Before: Shelley Y. Simms, Chair
Michael A. Schwartz, Vice Chair
Rhonda Hill Wilson
Paul E. Parsells
David L. Reddeeliff
This is a final adjudication of the State Ethics Commission.]
F-ACSIMILE: 717-787-0806
WEBWE: Wwrti.eRh7 fE,.�a.gpv
Procedurally, the Investigative Division of the State Ethics Commission conducted an
investigation regarding possible violation(s) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act
("Ethics Act"), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1101 et M., by the above -named Respondent. At the commencement
of its investigation, the Investigative Division served upon Respondent written notice of the
specific allegations. Upon completion of its investigation, the Investigative Division issued and
served upon Respondent a Findings Report identified as an "Investigative Complaint." A
Stipulation of Findings and a Consent Agreement were subsequently submitted by the parties to
the Commission for consideration. The Stipulated Findings are set forth as the Findings in this
Order, The Consent Agreement has been approved.
1. ALLEGATIONS:
That Dieter Meyer, a public official/public employee in his capacity as a Member of the
Board of the North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority ("Authority"), violated
Sections 1103 (a), I 104(a), 11 05(a), and I I 05(b)(2) of the Ethics Act:
(1) When lie used the authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit
of himself and/or a member of his immediate family when he participated in
Authority votes to approve guest attendance and/or expense payments; when lie
incurred and charged expenses of a personal nature to authority credit cards and
accounts when traveling on Authority business for conferences and/or conventions;
and when he submitted for reimbursement expenses of a personal nature alleged to
have been paid in cash or by personal credit card;
' Cornniissioner Robert P. Caruso reCUsed hirnself ftoni this matter and did not participate in the deliberations
involving this case.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 2
(2) When he approved payments to vendors and/or credit card companies or himself
for personal expenses incurred while traveling on Authority business;
(3) When he failed to file Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2016,
2017, 2018, and 2019; and
(4) When he filed a deficient Statement of Financial Interests for calendar year 2020
by failing to identifyhis occupation or profession and incorrectly dating his form.
II. FINDINGS:
1. Dieter Meyer ("Meyer") served as a Member of the Board of the North and South Shenango
Joint Municipal Authority ("Authority") beginning January 6, 2003.
a. Meyer was appointed to the Authority Board for a five-year term by the North
Shenango Township Board of Supervisors at its reorganization meeting on January
6, 2003, and he was reappointed to additional five-year terms at subsequent
reorganization meetings on January 7, 2008, January 7, 2013, and January 2, 2018.
I. Meyer sent a letter dated November 13, 2020, to the North Shenango
Township Board of Supervisors, resigning from the Authority Board
effective January 4, 2021.
b. Meyer served as Secretary of the Authority Board from at least January 14, 2004,
until he resigned his position on the Authority Board effective January 4, 2021.
C. Meyer was not compensated in his position as an Authority Board Member.
d. Meyer lived out of state during the investigative years but owned property within
North Shenango Township which qualified him to be on the Authority Board.
1. Meyer attended the Authority Board meetings via telephone or a web
conference platform.
2. The Authority was formed in 1974 as a j oint authority by the Townships of North Shenango
and South Shenango.
a. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State on
December 5, 1974.
b. The Authority was formed pursuant to the requirements of the Pennsylvania
Municipality Authorities Act of 1945, as amended.
c. As a Municipal Authority, its purpose is to construct, finance, and operate a
wastewater treatment facility for the area of North and South Shenango Townships.
Meyer, 21-025
rage 3
3. Bylaws of the Authority were originally adopted on December 30, 1974, and Certificates
of Amendments were issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State on July 12, 1988,
and October 19, 2011.
a. The amendments extended the existence of the Authority to the date of December
31, 2028, and then to the date of July 15, 2061, respectively.
b. When establishing the Authority, the North Shenango Township Supervisors and
the South Shenango Township Supervisors chose not to allow the Authority Board
Members to be compensated.
4. Article II of the Authority Bylaws provided for the appointment of officers including:
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Assistant Secretary -Treasurer
5. The Chairman, as identified in the Authority Bylaws, "shall preside at all meetings of the
Board of the Authority. Except as otherwise authorized by resolution of the Board of the
Authority, the Chairman shall sign all contracts, deeds and other instruments made by the
Authority. At each meeting, the Chairman shall submit such recommendations and
information as he may consider proper concerning the business, affairs and policies of the
Authority."
6. The Authority is governed by a six -Member Board, with three Members appointed by the
North Shenango Township Supervisors and three Members appointed by the South
Shenango Township Supervisors.
a. Board Members are appointed to a five-year term unless they are appointed to fill
an unexpired term.
b. The Authority holds one meeting a month on the second Wednesday of the month.
1. The annual reorganization meeting is held the second Wednesday in
January before the regular monthly Authority Board meeting.
2. Voting occurs at the one monthly meeting unless specifically advertised
otherwise.
3. Special meetings are held as necessary.
7. At all times relevant to the investigation, the Board of the Authority was represented by a
Solicitor, who represented the Authority Board for approximately 20 years.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 4
8. At all times relevant to the investigation, voting at Authority Board meetings occurred via
an individual roll call vote.
a. Each individual Authority Board Member's vote, including abstentions, was
recorded on the voting roster by Authority General Manager Michael Klink
("Klink").
1. The Authority Board meeting minutes prepared by Klink identified
unanimous votes, individual no votes, and individual abstentions.
aa. The Authority Board meeting minutes did not identify individual
yes votes.
9. Klink emailed or mailed via U.S. First Class Mail a meeting packet to the Authority Board
Members the Friday before the meeting.
a. Information in the meeting packet included the meeting agenda, prior month's
meeting minutes, financial report, bill list, manager's report, correspondence
received, collection procedures report, and consulting engineer's report.
10. The financial report included a general ledger report and a list of checks written during the
prior month.
a. Included in the financial report were checks written to Meyer, if applicable, in the
prior month for reimbursement of expenses he incurred.
b. Included in the financial report were checks written to Meyer for web
hosting/maintenance and website updates work he did for the Authority.
11. The bill list identified the bills to be paid which had been received at the Authority from
the last Authority Board meeting until the current Authority Board meeting.
a. At each Authority Board meeting, Authority Bookkeeper Susan Dvorsky
("Dvorsky") presented the bills/invoices to be paid on a table for Authority Board
Members to review and approve for payment.
I. Included in these bills/invoices laid out by Dvorsky were statements for
Authority -issued credit cards and the receipts.
aa. Dvorsky typically requested an itemized receipt for each individual
charge on an Authority -issued credit card.
b. The bill list only included the total monthly payment for each Authority -issued
credit card bill.
Mom, 21-025
Page 5
1. The bill list did not identify each individual charge on the Authority -issued
credit card(s).
12. From January 2016 through December 2020, signature authority over the Authority
accounts rested with the Chairman and Vice Chairman, at a minimum.
a. Authority checks required two authorized signatories.
b. Since at least January 2016 until December 2020, Valerie Kean Staab ("Kean
Staab") was an authorized signer on the Authority bank account along with Vice
Chairman John Tucker ("Tucker").
C. The Authority instituted a facsimile stamp with the Board Chairman's and the
Board Treasurer's signatures on one stamp.
1. The facsimile stamp had the signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker.
aa. The stamp was made prior to 2016 when Tucker had signature
authority as Board Treasurer.
d. Using the facsimile stamp, Klink signed the Authority checks and then initialed by
the stamp signatures, indicating that the purchase was legitimate and that the
Authority Board could approve payment.
13. Prior to 2020 the Authority did not have a comprehensive operations manual outlining its
day-to-day operations.
a. The Authority did have an Employee Personnel Policy Handbook which had a
revision date of April 20, 2009,
14. At the January 11, 2017, January 10, 2018, and January 9, 2019, reorganization meetings,
the Authority Board voted to approve payment of out-of-pocket expenses and a mileage
rate in accordance with the IRS per mile rate, related to travel for general training for
Authority Board Members, employees, and their guests.
a. At the January 2016 reorganization meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve
the payment of out-of-pocket expenses related to travel for general training for
Authority Board Members and employees.
15. Meeting minutes since at least 2016 reflect that the Authority Board did not vote on
attending specifically identified conferences, trainings, or meetings.
a. The meeting minutes sometimes identified a conference, training, or meeting and
who was attending.
M ye e_r, 21-025
Page 6
b. The meeting minutes do not show any discussion or information shared as to what
was learned when Authority Board Members or employees attended the
conferences, trainings, or meetings.
16. Typically, before traveling to conferences, Klink or Dvorsky would prepare and submit a
Mileage Report Form for Authority Board Members requesting mileage reimbursement
from the Authority.
a. The mileage reimbursement form showed the start date and end date of the travel,
the start and end destination, the purpose, the number of miles traveled in each
segment of the travel, and the amount to be paid, i.e., total number of miles traveled
times the applicable federal mileage reimbursement rate.
1. An Authority check was then issued to the traveler.
b. Kean Staab identified the travel dates for the out-of-state trips.
17. The Authority's annual budget had a line item for Authority Board expenses which
included funds to travel to conferences, trainings, and meetings.
a. Since 2013 the Board Expense budgeted line item and the amount spent were as
shown:
201.3 2014 2015 2016
Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget Actual
$7,000 $2,652 $10,000 $22,928 $20,000 $25,945 * $10,000 $16,259
2017 2018 2019
Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget Actual
$10,000 $20,172** $10,000 $30,522 1 $10,000 $19,271***
*Per Black Bashor & Porsch audit; Authority shows $27,224
**Per Black Bashor & Porsch audit; Authority shows $19,990
***Per Maloney Reed Scarpitti & Company audit
18. In 2004 Klink was hired as the General Manager of the Authority.
a. Soon after being hired as the General Manager, Klink was issued an Authority
credit card.
1. Beginning in 2016, Klink used an Authority -issued First National Bank
Visa credit card ending in 5754.
19. In 2015, Dvorsky was hired at the Authority as the Authority Secretary/Bookkeeper.
a. She was issued an Authority credit card.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 7
1. Beginning in 2016, Dvorsky used an Authority -issued First National Bank
Visa credit card ending in 5770.
THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS RELATE TO MEYER'S EXPENSES IN RELATION TO
PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES ASSOCIATION EVENTS ATTENDED
IN 2016, 2017, 2018, AND 2019.
20. The Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association ("PMAA") is the recognized
association for municipal authorities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
a. PMAA, founded in 1941, was established "to assist municipal authorities in
providing services that protect and enhance the environment and promote the
economic vitality and general welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and
its citizens."
21. PMAA is divided into ten regions.
a. Crawford County is located in Region 8.
b. The Authority is located within the boundaries of Region 8.
22. PMAA holds various events for the benefit of its Members, including the following:
a. Annual Conference and Trade Show;
b. Board Member training; and
C. Dinner meetings in the spring and fall for each region.
23. The Authority Board meeting minutes for all years relevant to this matter only show who
attended the 2016 PMAA conference.
24. Meyer, as an Authority Board Member, has regularly attended various events hosted by
PMAA.
25. PMAA has an Annual Conference and Trade Show ("Annual Conference") in or around
August or September of each year.
a. The location of the Annual Conference varies from year to year, alternating
between a location in the western part of the Commonwealth, a location in the
eastern part of the Commonwealth, and a central location.
b. As part of the registration fee, the Annual Conference provides some meals at no
extra charge for those attending the Annual Conference.
Mey,e,r, 21-025
Page 8
Dinner, as well as some of the other meals, are an additional charge.
aa. The attendee's spouse/guest can attend these dinners for an
additional charge.
2. Some meals are complimentary for both the attendee and their spouse/guest
but require registration.
c. The Annual Conference has a "Spouse Program" for the spouses/guests of attendees
in which they tour/visit a local point of interest.
1. Some of the Spouse Program tours are an additional charge.
26. As a Member of the Authority Board, Meyer attended the Annual Conference from at least
2016 through 2019.
a. In addition to Meyer, attendees at the PMAA Annual Conferences from 2016
through 2019 included Kean Staab, Tucker, Tucker's significant other, Linda Baker
("Baker"), and Klink.
1. Kean Staab was appointed to the Authority Board by North Shenango
Township on January 2, 2001, and she served until resigning her position
effective January 4, 2021.
2. Tucker was appointed to the Authority Board by South Shenango Township
on April 13, 1981, and he served until March 9, 2021.
b. Authority Board Member Larry Jewart and Authority Secretary Dvorsky also
attended the 2018 Annual Conference in Erie, Pennsylvania.
1. Jewart was appointed to the Authority Board by South Shenango Township
on August 9, 2016, and he continues to serve.
2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE — WYNDHAM GRAND, PITTSBURGH
27. The 2016 Annual Conference was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from Sunday, August
28, 2016, through Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh
Downtown located at 600 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
28. The Authority paid a conference registration fee of $285.00 for Meyer to attend the Annual
Conference.
a. Dvorsky registered the Authority attendees for the Annual Conference.
b. The conference registration fee was charged on July 26, 2016, to Dvorsky's
Authority -issued First National Bank Visa credit card 5770.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 9
1. Dvorsky's Authority -issued Visa credit card statement ending September 2,
2016, showed payment of the registration fee via an internet payment on
August 26, 2016.
aa. At the September 14, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the August 2016 financial report which
included the $1,513.90 total payment for First National Bank Visa
credit card 5770 that included Meyer's Annual Conference
registration fee.
i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the August 2016
financial report.
C. The Annual Conference registration fee included complimentary breakfasts for
registrants on Monday, August 29, 2016, and Tuesday, August 30, 2016, and a
complimentary lunch on Tuesday, August 30, 2016.
29. Meyer was registered for PMAA-sponsored events that required an additional fee to be
paid as shown below;
Date Event Cost
8/29/2016 Professional Luncheon $29.00
8/29/2016 Heinz Field Dinner & Tour $59.00
8/30/2016 Awards Banquet $59.00
8/31/2016 Wednesday Breakfast $21.00
Total $168.00
a. The fees to attend the additional events were paid with Authority check #8998
issued August 19, 2016, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker and
initialed by Klink.
1. At the September 14, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the August 2016 financial report which included check
#8998 dated August 19, 2016, payable to PMAA for $870.00.
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the August 2016 financial
report.
30. Meyer was registered to stay at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown located at 600
Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
a. Meyer arrived on Saturday, August 27, 2016, and departed on Wednesday, August
31, 2016.
Meyer., 21-025
Page 10
1. Wyndham Grand records showed Meyer's check -in time at 3:1 S p.m. on
Saturday, August 27, 2016, and checkout time at 1:06 p.m. on Wednesday,
August 31, 2016.
b. The standard room rate was $189.00/night plus taxes on Saturday night, August 27,
2016, and $179.00/night plus taxes Sunday night, August 28, 2016, through
Tuesday night, August 30, 2016,
1. Meyer was charged a $30.00/day fee for valet parking for his four -night
stay.
2. Meyer had a charge to his room on Saturday, August 27, 2016, of $48.66
for the Three Rivers Restaurant on the hotel property.
31. Annual Conference registration occurred on Sunday, August 28, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. to
6:00 p.m., and the Annual Conference "Welcome" started at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, August
28, 2016.
a. The Authority paid an additional $189,00 plus taxes for Meyer's Saturday night at
the Wyndham Grand.
I. The Authority paid an additional $30.00/day parking fee for valet parking
and $48.66 for a restaurant charge to Meyer's room, both occurring on
Saturday night.
32. Charges to Meyer's room account at the Wyndham Grand included the following:
Total
Occupancy
Valet
Restaurant Expense
Date
Weekday
Room
Taxes
Parking
Charges Per Day
8/27/2016
Saturday
$199.00
$26.46
$30.00
$48.66 $294.12
8/28/2016
Sunday
$179.00
$25.06
$30.00
- $234.06
8/29/2016
Monday
$179.00
$25.06
$30.00
- $234,06
8/30/2016
Tuesday
$179.00
$25.06
$30.00
- $234.06
Total $996.30
a. Meyer's hotel charge of $996.30 was paid with Klink's Authority -issued Visa
credit card 5754 on August 31, 2016.
1. Authority records show that the credit card with the hotel charges was paid
via an internet payment on September 22, 2016.
aa. At the October 12, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the financial report for September 2016
which included the payment of $5,348.14 to First National Bank
Visa credit card 5754 that included the payment of Meyer's hotel
charges.
lvteyer, 21-025
Page 11
Meyer was present and voted to approve the September 2016
financial report.
33. The Annual Conference offered a complimentary breakfast and hunch on Tuesday, August
30, 2016, and Meyer was registered for the Awards Banquet that night.
a. Klink's hotel folio showed the following three charges at Wyndham Grand
Downtown Pittsburgh:
8/30/2016 Three Rivers Restaurant $72.99
8/30/2016 Three Rivers Pub $152.58
8/30/2016 Three Rivers Pub $129.56
1. Wyndham Grand did not provide receipts for the three restaurant/pub
charges on Klink's folio.
2. Three Rivers Restaurant's hours were approximately Monday through
Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for breakfast and lunch, and then 5:00 p.m.
to 10:00 p.m. for dinner.
aa. Klink and some of the Authority attendees had lunch on Tuesday,
August 30, 2016, at the Three Rivers Restaurant.
3. Three Rivers Pub was open approximately from noon to midnight serving
alcohol and also burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads, and appetizer -type
food.
b. The Authority attendees often met in a restaurant/bar on the hotel property before
and after the Awards Banquet and had food and drink.
l . Tucker and Balser usually did not participate in the group gathering prior to
the Awards Banquet because Tucker was assisting with the event, but they
did participate with the group after the Awards Banquet.
2. The Authority paid for six tickets to the Awards Banquet; Meyer's share of
the Three Rivers Pub receipt ($152.58) before the Awards Banquet was
$38.15.
aa. Meyer's share of the Three Rivers Pub receipt ($129.56) after the
Awards Banquet was $21.59.
C. Authority records show Klink's hotel charge of $1,13 8.22, including the restaurant
charges, was paid via an internet payment on September 22, 2016.
1. At the October 12, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the financial report for September 2016 which included
Meyer, 21-025
Page 12
the payment of $5,349,14 for First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 that
included the payment of Klink's hotel charges.
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the
September 2016
financial report.
34. The Authority paid additional personal expenses of $363.86 for Meyer to attend the 2016
Annual Conference.
Date
Weekday Expense
Amount
9/27/2016
Saturday Three Rivers Restaurant ck 93250
$48.66
8/27/2016
Saturday Valet Parking 000-496 8/27/16
$30.00
8/27/2016
Saturday Guest Room & taxes
$215.46
8/30/2016
Tuesday Three Rivers Restaurant ($152.58 4 guests $38.15 ea)
$38.15
8/30/2016
Tuesday Three Rivers Restaurant ($129.56 6 guests $21.59 ea)
$21.59
8/31/2016
Wednesday Pit Yellow Cab Pittsburgh PA
$10.00
Total
$363.86
2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY
35, The 2017 Annual Conference was held in Hershey, Pennsylvania from Sunday, September
10, 2017, through Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at the Hershey Lodge & Convention
Center, 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA t7033.
36. The Authority paid a conference registration fee of $325.00 for Meyer to attend the Annual
Conference.
a. The conference registration fee was charged on August 21, 2017, to Klink's
Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
1. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the registration fee via
internet payment on September 26, 2017.
aa. At the October 11, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the September 2017 financial report which
included the payment to Klink's First National Bank Visa credit card
5754 that included Meyer's Annual Conference registration fee.
Meyer was present and voted to approve the September 2017
financial report.
b. The Annual Conference registration fee included complimentary breakfasts for
registrants on Monday, September 11, 2017, and Tuesday, September 12, 2017, and
a complimentary lunch on Tuesday, September 12, 2017.
37. Meyer was registered for PMAA-sponsored events that required an additional fee to be
paid as shown below:
M yer, 21-025
Page 13
Date Event Cost
Media Relations for Municipal Officers -Manager
9/ 10/2017 lunch $29.00
9/11/2017 Awards Banquet $59.00
9/12/2017 PMAA Then and Now $59.00
9/13/2017 Meet Milton Hershey: The War Years $21.00
Total $168.00
a. The fees to attend the additional PMAA-sponsored events were charged on August
21, 2017, to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
1. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the charges for the
additional events via internet payment on September 26, 2017.
aa. At the October 11, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the September 2017 financial report which
included the payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754
that included Meyer's additional PMAA-sponsored event fees.
i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the September 2017
financial report.
38. Meyer was registered to stay at the Hershey Lodge. & Convention Center, Hershey, PA
17033.
a. The room rate was $189.00/night.
b. Meyer arrived on Saturday, September 9, 2017, and departed on Wednesday,
September 13, 2017.
39. Annual Conference registration occurred on Sunday, September 10, 2017, from 1:00 p.m.
to 6:00 p.m., and the Annual Conference "Welcome" started at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday,
September 10, 2017.
a. The Authority paid an additional $189.00 plus $20.79 in taxes for Meyer's Saturday
night room at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center.
1. The Authority paid $23.00 for alcoholic beverages charged to Meyer's
room on Saturday, September 9, 2016.
40. Charges to Meyer's room account at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center included
the following:
Date Wael ay Description Charse
9/9/2017 Saturday Room/Package $189.00
9/9/2017 Saturday Lodge Lobby Bar $23.00
Meyer, 21-025
Page 14
41.
9/10/2017
Sunday
9/10/2017
Sunday
9/10/2017
Sunday
9/1I/2017
Monday
9/12/2017
Tuesday
6/6/2017
9/13/2017 Wednesday
Room/Package
$189.00
Fire & Grain
$20.48
Lodge Beanery
$3.75
Room/Package
$189.00
Room/Package
$189.00
County Occupancy Tax
$37.80
Occupancy 'Fax
$45.36
Total
$886.39
Deposit Visa 5754
$199.79
Balance Due Visa 5754
$686.60
The total hotel charge for Meyer's stay was $886.39.
a. On June 6, 2017, a deposit of $199.79 to hold the room was charged to Klink's
Authority -issued Visa credit card ending 5754.
1. Authority records show that the credit card with the hotel down payment
was paid via an internet payment on July 26, 2017.
aa. At the August 9, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the financial report for July 2017 which
included the payment of $1,199.77 to First National Bank Visa
credit card 5754 that included Meyer's hotel room down payment.
i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the July 2017
financial report.
2. Meyer's hotel balance of $686.60 was paid on September 13, 2017, using
Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
aa. Authority records show that the credit card with the hotel balance
was paid via an internet payment on October 2, 2017.
i. At the November 1, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the
Authority Board voted to approve the financial report for
October 2017 which included the payment of $8,261,49 to
First National Bair% Visa credit card 5754 that included
Meyer's hotel balance.
ii. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2017
financial report.
42. The Authority paid personal expenses of $257.02 for Meyer to attend the 2017 Annual
Conference:
Date Weekday Expense
9/9/2017 Saturday Hershey Lodge Bar (3:59 p.m.)
Amount
$23.00
Meyer, 21-025
Page 15
9/9/2017 Saturday Hershey Lodge Room Package & taxes $209.79
9/10/2017 Sunday Hershey Fire & Grain (9:16 a.m.) $20.48
9/10/2017 Sunday Hershey Seanery Lodge (ice cream cone) (1:52 p.m.) $3.75
Total $257.02
2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE — BAYFRONT CONVENTION CENTER, ERIE
43. The 2018 Annual Conference was held in Erie, Pennsylvania from Sunday, September 9,
2018, through Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1
Sassafras Pier, Erie, Pennsylvania.
44. The Authority paid a conference registration fee of $295.00 for Meyer to attend the Annual
Conference.
a. The registration fee was paid with Authority check #10934 dated June 22, 2018,
payable to PMAA.
I. The check had the signature stamp of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's
initials.
aa. At the July 11, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the June 2018 financial report which included
Authority check #10934 to PMAA in the amount of $3,106.00 that
included Meyer's Annual Conference registration fee.
i. Meyer was not present at the meeting.
b. The Annual Conference registration fee included an opening ceremonies
complimentary breakfast on Monday, September 10, 2018, and a complimentary
breakfast and complimentary lunch on Tuesday, September 11, 2018.
45. Meyer was registered for PMAA-sponsored events that required an additional fee to be
paid as show below:
Date
Event
Cost
9/9/2018
Sunset Dinner Cruise
$38.00
9/10/2018
Board Members Lunch
$29.00
9/1012018
Banquet
$59.00
9/11/2018
Night on the Bayfront
$59.00
9/12/2018
Conference Closing Breakfast -Ghost Stories of Eric
$18.00
Total
$203.00
a. The fees to attend the additional PMAA-sponsored events were paid with Authority
check #10934 dated June 22, 2018, payable to PMAA.
1. The check had the signature stamp of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's
initials.
MeL, 2 ] -025
Page 16
aa. At the July 11, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the June 2018 financial report which included
Authority check #10934 to PMAA in the amount of $3,106.00 that
included payment for Meyer's additional PMAA-sponsored events.
i. Meyer was not present at the meeting.
46. Meyer was registered to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott, 2 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507
when he attended the Annual Conference.
a. The folio showed that Meyer arrived Saturday, September 8, 2018, 3:03 p.m. and
departed Tuesday, September 11, 2018, 10:17 a.m.
b. The Saturday night room rate was $25 1. 00/night plus $32.63 in taxes, and the room
rate for Sunday through Monday night was $210.00/night plus $27.30 in taxes.
47. Annual Conference registration occurred on Sunday, September 9, 2018, from 1:00 p.m.
to 6:00 p.m., and the Annual Conference "Welcome" started at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday,
September 9, 2018.
a. The Authority paid an additional $251.00 plus $32.63 in taxes for Meyer's Saturday
night room at the Courtyard by Marriott.
The Authority paid an additional $19.66 charged to Meyer's room for food
and an alcoholic beverage on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 6:41 p.m.
2. The Authority paid an additional $6.62 charged to Meyer's room for food
on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at 7:02 a.m.
48. Charges incurred to Meyer's room account at the Marriott included the following:
Total
Occupancy Restaurant Expense
Date Weekday Room Taxes Charges Per Day
9/8/2018 Saturday $251.00 $32.63 $19.66 $303.29
9/9/2018 Sunday $210,00 $27.30 $6.62 $243.92
9/10/2018 Monday $210.00 $27.30 - $237.30
Total $784.51
a. Meyer's total hotel charge of $784.51 was paid with Klink's Authority -issued Visa
credit card 5754 on September 13, 2018.
b. Klinlc's Authority credit card statement showed payment of the hotel charge via an
internet payment on October 29, 2018.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 17
1. At the November 14, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the October 2018 financial report which included the
payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 that included payment
of Meyer's hotel charges.
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2018 financial
report.
49. On September 10, 2019, which was the night of the Awards Banquet, there were six guests
at the Shoreline Bar & Grille prior to the Awards Banquet.
a. Meyer's share of the receipt ($126.60) was $21.10.
50. On September 11, 2018, which was the Night on the Bayfront dinner, the Authority
attendees and guest had drinks at the Shoreline Bar & Grille.
a. Meyer's share of the receipt ($99.00) was $12.38.
51. The Authority paid additional personal expenses of $343.39 for Meyer to attend the 2018
Annual Conference.
Date
Weekday
Expense
Amount
9/8/2018
Saturday
Restaurant Room Charge
$19.66
9/8/2018
Saturday
Room Charge & taxes
$283.63
9/9/2018
Sunday
Restaurant Room Charge
$6.62
9/10/2018
Sunday
Shoreline Bar & Grille (Klink $126,60 6 gsts $21.10 ea)
$21.10
9/11/2019
Monday
Shoreline Bar & Grille (drinks Klink $99.00 8 gsts $12.38 ea)
$12.38
Total
$343.39
2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE — KALAHARI RESORTS, POCONO MANOR
52. The 2019 Annual Conference was held in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania from Sunday,
September 8, 2019, through Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at the Kalahari Resorts &
Conventions — Pocono Mountains located at 250 Kalahari Boulevard, Pocono Manor, PA
18349.
53. The Authority paid a conference registration fee of $295.00 for Meyer to attend the Annual
Conference.
a. The conference registration fee was charged on July 31, 2019, to Klink's Authority -
issued First National Bank Visa credit card 5754.
1. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the registration fee via
internet payment on August 26, 2019.
aa. At the September 11, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the August 2019 financial report which
Meyer., 21-025
Page 18
included the payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754
that included Meyer's conference registration fee.
i. Meyer was not present at the meeting.
b. The Annual Conference registration fee included an opening ceremonies
complimentary breakfast on Monday, September 9, 2019, and a complimentary
breakfast and complimentary lunch on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
54. Meyer was registered for PMAA-sponsored events that required an additional fee to be
paid as shown below:
Date
Event
Cost
9/9/2019
Board Members/Solicitors Lunch
$30.00
9/9/2019
Banquet
$59.00
9/10/2019
Night on the Boma
$59,00
9/11 /2019
Closing Breakfast
$21.00
Total $169.00
a. The fees to attend the additional PMAA-sponsored events were charged to Klink's
Authority -issued First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 on July 31, 2019.
1. Klink's credit card statement showed that the fees to attend the additional
PMAA-sponsored events were paid via internet payment on August 26,
2019.
aa. At the September 11, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the August 2019 financial report which
included the $4,716.66 total payment to First National Bank Visa
credit card 5754 that included Meyer's additional PMAA-sponsored
event fees.
i. Meyer was not present at the meeting.
55. Meyer was registered to stay at the Kalahari Resort located at the same address as the
conference - 250 Kalahari Boulevard, Pocono Manor, PA 18349.
a. Meyer arrived on Sunday, September 8, 2019, and departed on Wednesday,
September It, 2019.
1. The room rate was $179.00/night plus taxes.
56. Charges to Meyer's room account at Kalahari included the following:
Meyer, 21-025
Page 19
57
58.
State
Total
Occupancy
Occupancy
Expense
Date
Weekday
Room
Sales Tax
Tax
Per Dav
9/8/2019
Sunday
$179.00
$10.74
$5.37
$195.11
9/9/2019
Monday
$179.00
$10.74
$5.37
$195.11
9/ 1012019
Tuesday
$179.00
$10.74
$5.37
$195.11
Total $585.33
Meyer's hotel charges were paid with Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
a. A deposit of $195.11 on November 28, 2018, was made to Kalahari Resort using
Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
1. Authority records show that the credit card with the hotel deposit was paid
via an internet payment on December 17, 2018.
aa. At the January 9, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the December 2018 financial report which
included the payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754
in the amount of $3,722.22 that included the deposit for Meyer's
Kalahari Resort hotel room.
i. Meyer was not present at the meeting.
b. A deposit of $390.22 was made using Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card
5754 on August 31, 2019.
1. Authority records show that the credit card with the hotel deposit ($390.22)
was paid via an internet payment on October 25, 2019.
aa. At the November 6, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the October 2019 financial report which
included the payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754
in the amount of $15,048.14 that included the hotel deposit for
Meyer's Kalahari Resort hotel room.
i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2019
financial report.
The Authority paid personal expenses of $10.38 for Meyer to attend the 2019 Annual
Conference as shown below:
Date Weekday Expense Amount
9/8/2019 Sunday Ivory Coast (Klink 4 alcoholic drinks $10.38 ea.) $10.38
a. Meyer did not submit a request to the Authority for reimbursement of expenses
other than for mileage.
Meyer, 21-025
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THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS RELATE TO MEYER'S EXPENSES IN RELATION TO
WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION TECHNICAL EXHIBITIONS AND
CONFERENCES ATTENDED IN 2016, 2017, 2018, AND 2019.
59. The Water Environment Federation ("WEF") is a not for profit technical and educational
organization of individual members and affiliated member associations representing water
quality professionals around the world, and it provides technical education and training for
water quality professionals who clean water and return it safely to the environment.
60. WEF has an annual Technical Exhibition and Conference ("WEFTEC").
a. WEFTEC was held in New Orleans in 2016 and 2018 at the Ernest J. Morial
Convention Center.
I. The Ernest J. Morial Convention Center has 1.1 million square feet of
prime, contiguous exhibit space.
b. WEFTEC was held in Chicago in 2017 and 2019 at the McCormick Place
Convention Center.
1. The McCormick Place Convention Center has 2.6 million square feet of
exhibit space.
C. In its conference announcement, WEF identified the official conference hotels.
1. WEF provided complimentary shuttle bus access to the Exhibition Hall for
those staying inside the WEFTEC hotel block.
61. WEFTEC runs from Saturday through Wednesday each year.
a. An attendee can register to attend the full conference or register just for admission
to the Exhibition Hall.
b. WEFTEC offers various pre -conference and conference workshops, luncheons,
receptions, and networking events at an additional cost.
1. Registration at WEFTEC did not include any meals unless an attendee was
registered for a luncheon, reception or networking event.
aa. No Authority representatives and/or their guests were registered for
the luncheons, receptions or networking events.
C. The Exhibition Hall opens Monday morning and runs through Wednesday.
Meyer, 21-025
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1. The Exhibition Hall includes vendor displays and technology
advancements.
aa. To gain admission to the Exhibition Hall, an attendee must pay a
registration fee and pick up their badge/lanyard at the convention
center or one of the designated hotel satellite locations identified in
the conference announcement.
i. An attendee can pick up their badge/lanyard for the
Exhibition Hall any day from Saturday through Wednesday
at the designated locations and during designated times
identified in the conference announcement.
2. The vendor displays in the Exhibition Hall include different types of pumps,
pump systems, wastewater structure rehabilitation supplies, filters, pump
lining, chemical metering pumps, etc.
aa. Most of the products at the Exhibition Hall are the same each year.
62. Meyer, Tucker, Tucker's guest, Kean Staab, Klink, and Klink's guest were registered only
for the Exhibition Hall during the years 2016 through 2019.
a. They were not registered for any pre -conference or conference workshops,
luncheons, receptions, or networking events.
b. The time they spent in the host city on Saturday was not related to Authority
business.
63. Eric Tissue ("Tissue") previously worked as an engineer with KLH Engineers.
a. In 2000/2001 the Authority became one of Tissue's clients at KLH Engineers.
b. Tissue suggested to Klink that he (Klink) should attend WEFTEC to see the
equipment to be used in their new plant.
C. At an Authority Board meeting in 2013, Klink asked for Authority Board approval
to attend WEFTEC.
1. At the August 14, 2013, Authority Board meeting, Kean Staab requested
that the Authority Board consider offering the opportunity to attend
WEFTEC in Chicago to any interested Authority Board Members and
Klink.
aa. After a lengthy discussion it was agreed that any Authority Board
Members were welcome to attend with all expenses paid by the
Authority.
Mey, 21-025
Page 22
2. At the September 11, 2013, Authority Board meeting Kean Staab
announced that Tucker, Meyer, Klink, and herself were planning to attend
WEFTEC 2013 in Chicago from Friday, October 4, through Monday,
October 7, 2013.
64. Authority Board Members and Klink have been attending WEFTEC since at least 2013.
a. The Authority Board meeting minutes do not show the Authority Board voting each
year to specifically attend WEFTEC.
b. Other than the 2013 Authority Board meeting minutes, the Authority Board
meeting minutes do not show who attended WEFTEC.
65. While other Authority Board Members brought guests to WEFTEC, Meyer did not do so,
and any references to costs incurred by guests in the following findings are not applicable
to Meyer.
66. The hotel rooms for WEFTEC were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card
5754.
67. When they attended WEFTEC, the Authority representatives and their guests had group
dinners.
a. The group dinners were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
b. Sometimes they had group lunches which were also charged to Klink's Authority -
issued Visa credit card 5754.
C. The group lunches and dinners were unrelated to WEFTEC and were social, not
educational in nature.
68. When they attended WEFTEC, the Authority representatives and their guests participated
in group excursions.
a. The group excursions usually occurred on Saturday or Sunday.
I. The group excursions were unrelated to WEFTEC and were social, not
educational, in nature.
2. The group excursions were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit
card 5754.
b. In 2019, the Authority travelers and their guests did not have group excursions but
went on individual excursions.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 23
69. Authority Board Members who went to WEFTEC did not provide a summation or report on
their experiences.
70. Meyer, as an Authority Board Member, regularly attended WEFTEC since at least
2014.
WEFTEC 2016, NEW ORLEANS
71. WEFTEC 2016 was held in New Orleans, Louisiana at the New Orleans Ernest J. Morial
Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130.
a. The Exhibition Hall was open from Monday, September 26, 2016, to Wednesday,
September 28, 2016, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
b. The Authority paid $60.00/person for access only to the Exhibition Hall for the
Authority representatives and their guests.
G. The total registration charge was $420.00, indicating that seven individual passes
to the Exhibition Hall were purchased.
1. The Authority paid $60.00 for Meyer to access only the Exhibition Hall.
d. Meyer's registration fee was charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card
5754 on September 23, 2016.
1. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the registration fees via
an internet payment on October 26, 2016.
aa. At its November 9, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the October 2016 financial report which
included the $6,624.01 total payment to First National Bank Visa
credit card ending 5754.
i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2016
financial report.
72. Meyer flew to New Orleans via American Airlines, arriving Saturday, September 24, 2016,
and departing Tuesday, September 27, 2016.
a. Meyer's airfare of $362.00 was charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit
card 5754 on May 24, 2016.
1. Authority records show that the credit card statement with the airfare to
New Orleans was paid via an internet payment on June 26, 2016.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 24
aa. At the July 13, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the June 2016 financial report which included the
payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754 in the amount
of $2,690.62 that included Meyer's airfare to New Orleans.
i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the June 2016
financial report.
73. In its 2016 Conference Announcement, WEF identified the official WEFTEC hotels.
a. The Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA, was an official
WEFTEC 2016 hotel with a room rate of $209.00/night plus taxes and assessment.
1. With taxes and assessment, the room fee was $243.92/night.
b. Klink booked hotel rooms for Saturday night September 24, 2016, checking out
Tuesday September 27, 2016, for Meyer, Kean Staab, Tucker, and himself.
I. The rooms were charged to his Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
74. Charges to Meyer's Royal Sonesta room account in 2016 were as follows:
Taxes &
Hotel
Room
Related
Charges
Date
Weekday
Rate
Charges
per Day
9/24/2016
Saturday
$209.00
$34.92
$243.92
9/25/2016
Sunday
$209.00
$34.92
$243.92
9/26/2016
Monday
$209.00
$34.92
$24392
Total
$731.76
a. Meyer's hotel charge of $731.76 was paid via Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit
card 5754 on September 27, 2016.
1. Klink's credit card statement reflecting Meyer's hotel charge was paid via
internet payment on October 26, 2016.
aa. At its November 9, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the October 2016 financial report which
included the $6,624.01 total payment to First National Bank Visa
credit card ending 5754.
Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2016
financial report.
75. While at WEFTEC 2016, the Authority representatives and their guests had group meals
at Olde Nawlins Cookery, Deanie's Seafood, and Pier 424 Seafood Market.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 25
9/24/2016 Saturday 01de Nawlins Cookery $225.78
9/24/2016 Saturday Deanie's Seafood $330.21
9/25/2016 Sunday Pier 424 Seafood Market $531.77
a. The group meals were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
b. Tucker's guest Baker, Kean Staab's guest Samantha Staab ("S. Staab"), and Klink's
guest Kathy Klink ("K. Klink") attended the group meals in 2016 with the
Authority representatives.
76. The receipt for the meal on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at Olde Nawlins Cookery, 729
Conti Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, showed that there were seven guests, for an average
individual meal cost of $32.25/guest; the tab opened at 11:47 a.m., payment was made at
12:45 p.m.
77. The credit card charge receipt for the meal on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at Deanie's
Seafood, 841 Iberville Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, showed that Klink's Authority -
issued Visa credit card was swiped at 9:45 p.m. and the charged amount was $330.21,
including tip.
a. There were seven guests at the group meal, for an average individual meal cost of
$47.17/guest.
78. The credit card charge receipt for the meal on Sunday, September 25, 2016, at Pier 424
Seafood Market, 435 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, showed that Klink's
Authority -issued Visa credit card was swiped at 8:16 p.m. and the bill amount was $531.77,
including tip.
a. There were seven guests at the group meal with an individual meal cost of
$75.97/guest.
79. The Authority representatives and their guests took a swamp/plantation tour through Cajun
Pride Tours, on Sunday, September 25, 2016.
a. Seven adult tickets for the Cajun Pride Tour, totaling $686.00, were charged to
Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754, costing $98.00/ticket for Meyer,
Tucker, Tucker's guest Baker, Kean Staab, Kean Staab's guest S. Staab, Klink, and
Klink's guest K. Klink.
b. The Cajun Pride Tour was unrelated to WEFTEC 2016 and unrelated to Authority
business.
Pickup time for the tour was between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and the drop off
time was between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., outside the Royal Sonesta Hotel.
80. The Authority representatives and their guests' group meals and excursions were charged
to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
Mey_e , 21-025
Page 26
a. Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card statement reflecting these charges
showed that payment was made via internet payment on October 27, 2016.
At its November 9, 2016, meeting, the Authority Board voted to approve
the October 2016 financial report which included the $6,624.01 total
payment to First National Bank Visa credit card ending 5754.
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2016 financial
report.
81. The night before his flight to New Orleans to attend WEFTEC 2016, Meyer stayed at the
Hampton Inn Pittsburgh Airport, arriving Friday, September 23, 2016, and departing
Saturday, September 24, 2016.
a. The day Meyer flew back to Pittsburgh after attending WEFTEC 2016, he stayed
at the Hampton Inn Pittsburgh Airport, arriving Tuesday, September 27, 2016, and
departing Wednesday, September 28, 2016.
b. Both of Meyer's Hampton Inn stays were charged to Dvorsky's Authority -issued
Visa credit card 5770: $135.66 on September 25, 2016, and $166.46 on September
29, 2016.
The October 2016 bill list presented as part of the November 9, 2016, Authority
Board meeting showed that Dvorsky's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5770,
which included the two Hampton Inn stays, was paid electronically.
1. At its November 9, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the October 2016 financial report which included the
$419.10 total payment for First National Bank Visa credit card 5 77 0.
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2016 financial
report.
82. The Authority had a N.S.S.J.M.A. Expense Statement in Meyer's name with a
handwritten listing of expenses for mileage and checked luggage fees to be reimbursed
relative to the WEFTEC 2016 trip, which totaled $143.96.
a. The Authority issued check #9690 dated September 30, 2016, in the amount of
$14396, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's initials,
made payable to Meyer.
At the October 12, 2016, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the September 2016 financial report, which included
Authority check #9690 to Meyer in the amount of $143.96.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 27
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the September 2016
financial report.
83. The Authority paid additional personal expenses of $723.46 for Meyer to attend
WEFTEC 2016 in New Orleans.
Date Weekday Item Descril2tion Amount
9/23/2016 Friday Hampton Inn Moon Township PA $135.66
9/24/2016 Saturday Royal Sonesta Room Charges $243.92
9/24/2016 Saturday Deanie`s Seafood (Saturday $330.21 7 guests $47.17 ea) $47.17
9/24/2016 Saturday OLS Nawlins Cookery (Saturday $225.78 7 guests $32.25 ea) $32.25
9/25/20I6 Sunday Cajun Pride Tours LaPlace LA ($686 - 7 guests = $98/guest) $98.00
9/27/2016 Tuesday Hampton Inn Moon Township PA $166.46
$723.46
WEFTEC 2017, CHICAGO
84. WEFTEC 2017 was held in Chicago, Illinois at the McCormick Place Convention Center,
2301 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.
a. The Exhibition Hall at McCormick Place Convention Center was open from
Monday, October 2, 2017, through Wednesday, October 4, 2017, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. each day.
b. The Authority paid $75.00/person for access only to the Exhibition Hall for the
Authority representatives and their guests.
C. The total registration charge was $450.00, indicating that six individual passes to
the Exhibition Hall were purchased.
1. The Authority paid a registration fee of $75.00 for Meyer to access only the
Exhibition Hall.
85. Registration fees of $150.00 and $300.00 were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa
credit card 5754 on September 30, 2017, but appeared on the September 2017 and October
2017 monthly statements, respectively.
a. The total registration fees paid indicated that six individual passes to the Exhibition
Hall were purchased.
b. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the $150.00 registration fees via
internet payment on October 2, 2017.
1. At its November 1, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the October 2017 financial report which included the
$8,261.49 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 28
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2017 financial
report.
C. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the $300.00 registration fees via
internet payment on November 26, 2017.
I. At its December 6, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the November 2017 financial report which included the
$10,185.16 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754.
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2017
financial report.
86. Meyer flew to Chicago via American Airlines, arriving Saturday, September 30, 2017,
and returning Wednesday, October 4, 2017.
87. Using his personal Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, Meyer purchased his
own airline ticket on June 1, 2017.
a. His Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card showed that the roundtrip ticket
was $292.60.
I. Meyer flew out of Huntington Tri-State Airport, in Huntington, West
Virginia.
b. On September 11, 2017, Meyer forwarded to Dvorsky the email he received from
American Airlines on June 1, 2017, with his flight confirmation, and he requested
that the $282.60 be included when she sent him his mileage check for the 2017
PMAA Annual Conference.
C. The Authority issued check 410075 dated September 11, 2017, in the amount of
$587.55, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's initials,
made payable to Meyer, which included the flight reimbursement and the 2017
PMAA Annual Conference mileage.
1. At its October 11, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the September 2017 financial report which included check
#10075 payable to Meyer.
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the September 2017
financial report.
d. Meyer did not submit a mileage reimbursement form for the WEFTEC 2017 trip.
88. In WEF's 2017 Conference Announcement, the official WEFTEC hotels had nightly room
rates ranging from $179.00/night to $289.00/night.
Mey_ei, 21-025
Page 29
a. The Authority representatives and their guests stayed at the Embassy Suites Hotel,
511 N Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60611.
1. The Embassy Suites Hotel was not one of the official WEFTEC hotels.
2. As a result of not choosing one of the official WEFTEC hotels, the
Authority had to pay an additional $30.00/night more than the highest
nightly rate of the WEFTEC recommended hotels.
b. Meyer's nightly room rate was $319.00/night plus taxes totaling $55.51.
1. With taxes his nightly room cost was $374.5I/night.
C. Meyer's room was booked for Saturday night September 30, 2017, through
Tuesday night October 2, 2017, checking out Wednesday October 4, 2017.
I . The rooms were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
d. The other Authority representatives checked in on Saturday, September 30, 2017,
and checked out Tuesday, October 2, 2017.
L Meyer stayed an extra night, leaving Wednesday while the other Authority
representatives and their guests left Tuesday.
89. Charges to Meyer's room account at the Embassy Suites Hotel in 2017 were as follows:
Daily
Room
Hotel
Date
Weekday
Rate
Taxes
Charee
9/30/2017
Saturday
$319.00
$55.51
$374.51
10/112017
Sunday
$319.00
$55.51
$374.51
10/2/2017
Monday
$319.00
$55.51
$374.51
10/3/2017
Tuesday
$319.00
$55.51
$374.51
Total $1,498.04
a. Meyer's hotel charge of $1,498.04 was paid via Klink's Authority -issued Visa
credit card 5754 on October 5, 2017.
Klink's credit card statement reflecting Meyer's hotel charge was paid via
internet payment on November 26, 2017.
aa. At its December 6, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the November 2017 financial report which
included the $10,185.16 total payment to First National Bank Visa
credit card 5754.
M ye er, 21-025
Page 30
i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2017
financial report.
90. While at WEFTEC 2017, the Authority travelers had group dinners at Riva Ristorante
Navy Pier, 700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL and Fogo de Chao, 661 North LaSalle Street,
Chicago, IL.
91. Klink's Authority- issued Visa credit card 5754 showed charges for Riva Ristorante, Navy
Pier Events & Rides, and Get Your Guide Tickets.
9/30/2017 Riva Ristorante $510.32
9/30/2017 Navy Pier Events & Rides $90.00
10/1/2017 Get Your Guide Tickets $239.70
a. The Riva Ristorante Navy Pier credit card charge receipt that Klink turned in to
Dvorsky showed the charge date and time was Saturday, September 30, 2017 08:33
p.m.
b. After the group dinner at Riva Ristorante Navy Pier, the six Authority
representatives and guests took a ride on the Centennial Wheel at the Navy Pier.
1. The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel receipt turned in by Klink to Dvorsky
showed that six $15.00 adult tickets for a total of $90.00 were purchased on
Saturday, September 30, 2017, at 9:03 p.m.
aa. The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel was unrelated to WEFTEC 2017
and unrelated to Authority business.
C. While at WEFTEC 2017, Klink purchased a ticket useable for a period of one week
for each Authority representative and their guest for a tour bus/double decker bus
to visit different venues/tourist spots in Chicago.
1. There was a charge to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on
October 1, 2017, for Get Your Guide Tickets, $239.70 ($39.95 per ticket).
2. Get Your Guide Tickets can be used for the Hop -On Hop -Off bus tour,
among other sightseeing tours and activities.
3. The tour bus/double decker bus was unrelated to WEFTEC 2017 or
Authority business.
92. Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card statement reflecting the charges for the Riva
Ristorante group meal and the excursions was paid via internet payment on November 26,
2017.
M ye e_r, 21-025
Page 31
a. At its December 6, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to
approve the November 2017 financial report which included the $10,185.16 total
payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754.
1. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2017 financial
report.
93. The group dinner at Fogo de Chao ($584.05) on October 1, 2017, was charged to Klink's
personal Visa credit card because his Authority -issued Visa credit card was maxed out.
a. The Authority issued check #10155 dated October 4, 2017, in the amount of
$594.05, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's initials,
made payable to Mike Klink.
At its November 1, 2017, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the October 2017 financial report which included
Authority check #10155 in the amount of $584.05 payable to Mike Klink.
aa.
Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2017 financial
report.
94. The Authority
paid additional personal expenses of $902.10 for Meyer to attend WEFTEC
2017 in Chicago.
Date
Weekday
item Description
Amount
9/30/2017
Saturday
Embassy Suites
$374.51
9/3012017
Saturday
Navy Pier Centennial Wheel ($15/person 6 tickets purchased)
$15,00
9/30/2017
Saturday
Riva Navy Pier ($510.32 6 attendees $85.05 ea)
$85.05
10/1/2017
Sunday
Get Your Guide Tickets Berlin ($239.70 6 attendees $39.95/person)
$39.95
10/1/2017
Sunday
Fogo de Chao (6 guests $85.00 alcohol $13.08 ea)
$13.08
10/3/2017
Tuesday
Embassy Suites
$374.51
$902.10
WE, FTEC 2018, NEW ORLEANS
95. WEFTEC 2018 was held in New Orleans, Louisiana at the New Orleans Ernest J. Morial
Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130.
a. The Exhibition Hall was open from Monday, October 1, 2018, to Wednesday,
October 3, 2018, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
b. The Authority paid $75.00/person for access only to the Exhibition Hall for the
Authority representatives and their guests.
C. The total registration charge was $450.00, indicating that six individual passes to
the Exhibition Hall were purchased.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 32
1. The Authority paid a registration fee of $75.00 for Meyer to access only the
Exhibition Hall.
96. The registration fee was charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754 on
September 27, 2018.
a. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the charge via an internet payment
on October 26, 2018.
1. At its November 14, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the October 2018 financial report which included the
$9,610.89 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754.
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2018 financial
report.
97. Using his Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, Meyer purchased his own airline
ticket to New Orleans on September 15, 2018.
a. His Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card showed the purchase of a round-
trip ticket and early bird fees.
Meyer flew out of John Glenn Columbus International Airport in
Columbus, Ohio.
b. In a note to the attention of Mike Klink, dated October 11, 2018, Meyer stated that
he was requesting $240.05 in reimbursement relative to the WEFTEC 2018 trip,
and he listed the itemized expenses for which he was seeking reimbursement.
Hotel
$149.85
RIT Flight
$51.20
Shuttle
$24.00
Tip for Drivers
$15.00
Total
$240,05
1. Meyer used points for the round-trip flight from Columbus to New Orleans
and was only seeking reimbursement of $51.20 for airline fees, etc.
2. Meyer included a copy of a Four Points by Sheraton Columbus Ohio Airport
folio for $149.85, showing a one-night stay arriving Friday, September 28,
2018, and departing Saturday, September 29, 2018, and a meal.
3. Meyer included a receipt for shuttle service from the New Orleans airport
to the Royal Sonesta Hotel ($24.00) on Saturday, September 29, 2018.
aa. Meyer also requested reimbursement of tips for drivers ($15.00).
Meyer, 21-025
Page 33
C. The Authority issued check #11295 dated October 22, 2018, in the amount of
$240.05, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and "fucker and Klink's initials,
made payable to Meyer.
At the November 14, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the October 2018 financial report which included check
#11295 payable to Meyer in the amount of $240.05,
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2018 financial
report.
98. In its 2018 Conference Announcement, WEF identified the official WEFTEC hotels
with nightly room rates ranging from $167.00/night to $279.00/night.
a. The Royal Sonesta Hotel, 300 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA was an official
WEFTEC 2018 hotel with a room rate of $222.00/night plus taxes and assessment.
1. With taxes and assessment, the room fee was $257.74 night.
Room► Charge $222.00
State Hotel Tax 9.45% $20.98
Room Occupancy Tax $2.00
City Hotel Tax 5%* $8.88
OTS Assessment
1.75% $3.89
$257.74
*Actual City Hotel Tax charge was 4% which is reflected in $8.88.
99. Using her Royal Sonesta Travel Pass membership, Kean Staab booked four rooms at
Royal Sonesta New Orleans, checking in Saturday, September 29, 2018, and checking
out Wednesday, October 3, 2018.
a. Because Kean Staab did not book the Royal Sonesta Hotel rooms through the
WEFTEC Housing agent, the Authority did not get the WEFTEC Royal Sonesta
room rate of $222.00/night plus taxes but instead paid $429.00 plus taxes for their
Saturday night stay and $399.00 plus taxes per night for their Sunday through
Tuesday night stays.
b. The rooms were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
100. Charges to Meyer's Royal Sonesta room account (4027) in 2018 were as follows:
Taxes &
Hotel
Room
Related
Charges
Date
Weekday
Rate
Charges
per Day
9/29/2018
Saturday
$429,00
$67.21
$496.21
9/30/2018
Sunday
$399.00
$62.65
$461.65
10/1/2018
Monday
$399.00
$62.65
$461.65
Meyer, 21-025
Page 34
10/2/2018 Tuesday $399.00 $62.65 $461.65
Total $1,881.16
a. Meyer's room charges of $1,881.16 were paid on October 3, 2018, using Klink's
Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
I. Klink's credit card statement reflecting Meyer's hotel charge was paid via
internet payment on November 26, 2018.
aa. At its December 12, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the November 2018 financial report which
included the $12,542.49 total payment to First National Bank Visa
credit card ending 5754.
i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2018
financial report.
101. While at WEFTEC 2018, the Authority representatives and their guests had group dinners
at Antoine's Restaurant and New Orleans Creole Cookery, had a group lunch at Olde
Nawlins Cookery, and took excursions through Tickets At Work.
a. The group meals and group excursions were charged to Klink's Authority -issued
Visa credit card 5754.
9/29/2018
Olde Nawlins Cookery
$399,04
10/1/2018
Antoine's Restaurant
$394.42
10/1/2018
Antoine's Restaurant
$427.03
10/2/2018
New Orleans Creole Cookery
$734.63
9/18/2018
TicketsAtWork.com
$372,00
9/19/2018
TlcketsAtWork.Com
$283.38
$2,599.50
102. Klink turned in the guest copy of the credit card charge receipt for the Saturday, September
29, 2018, meal at Olde Nawlins Cookery, which showed that Klink's Authority -issued Visa
credit card was swiped at 12:45, and the total bill was $388.04.
a. There were nine people present and partaking in the meal, for an individual meal
charge of $43.12/individual.
b. Klink's credit card statement reflecting the Olde Nawlins Cookery receipt was paid
via internet payment on October 26, 2018.
At its November 14, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the October 2018 financial report which included the
$9,610.89 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754.
Mier, 21-025
Page 35
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2018 financial
report.
103. Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card statement showed two charges at Antoine's
Restaurant on October 1, 2018, totaling $821.45.
a. The October 1, 2018, receipt from Antoine's Restaurant showed the check opened
at 6:04 p.m. and closed at 8:22 p.m.
1. There were eight people participating in the meal, for an individual meal
charge of $102.68/individual.
aa. Others attended the meal as guests of Kean Staab, but they paid for
themselves and were not included in the charges to Klink's
Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
b. Klink turned in the guest copy of the credit card charge receipt for the Tuesday,
October 2, 2018, meal at New Orleans Creole Cookery, which showed that Klink's
Authority -issued Visa credit card was swiped at 8:14 p.m., and the total bill was
$714.63.
I . There were nine people present and partaking in the meal, for an individual
meal charge of $81.63/individual.
C. Klink's credit card statement reflecting the Antoine's Restaurant and New Orleans
Creole Cookery charges was paid via internet payment on November 26, 2018.
I. At its December 12, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the November 2018 financial report which included the
$12,542.49 total payment to First National Bank Visa credit card 5754.
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the November 2018
financial report.
104. While at WEFTEC 2018, the Authority representatives and their guests went to a jazz
brunch buffet.
a. Seven tickets for the jazz brunch buffet totaling $283.38 ($40.08/person) were
purchased through Tickets at Work on September 18, 2018, and charged to Klink's
Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
1. The seven tickets were for Tucker and his guest Baker, Kean Staab and her
guest S. Staab, Meyer, and Klink and his guest K. Klink.
Meyer, 21 -025
Page 36
b. Seven sightseeing flex passes with three choices of places to visit, totaling $372.00
($53.14/person), were purchased through Tickets at Work and charged to KIink's
Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
1. The seven tickets were for Kean Staab, S. Staab, Tucker, Balzer, Meyer,
Klink, and K. Klink.
aa. Using the sightseeing flex pass, some of the individuals went to the
Mardi Gras Museum, and some then also went to the World War 11
Museum and a swamp tour.
C. The four exclusions were done over two days, Sunday and Monday.
d. The excursions Meyer took were unrelated to WE1iTEC 2018 and unrelated to
Authority business.
1. The Monday excursions taken by Meyer occurred during the hours the
Exhibition Hall that the Authority had paid for Meyer to access was open.
105. Klink's credit card statement reflecting the purchase of the Tickets at Work for the seven
jazz brunch buffet tickets and the seven sightseeing flex passes was paid via internet
payment on October 26, 2018.
a. At its November 14, 2018, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to
approve the October 2018 financial report which included the $9,610.89 total
payment to First National Bank Visa credit card ending 5754.
1. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2018 financial report.
106. S. Staab, C. Staab, and Lyman also attended group meals with Authority travelers.
a. Balser stayed with Tucker and attended group meals with Authority travelers.
b. K. Klink stayed with Klink and attended group meals with Authority travelers.
107. The Authority paid additional personal expenses of $697.66 for Meyer to attend WEFTEC
2018 in New Orleans.
Date
Item Description
Amount
9/28/2018
Friday
Four Points by Sheraton room charge & food
$149.85
9/29/2018
Saturday
Olde Nawlins Cookery (12:45 $388.04 9 guests $43.12 ea)
$172.48
Royal Sonesta Saturday stay room rate & taxes WrFTEC
9/29/2018
Saturday
rate
$257.74
9/30/2018
Sunday
TicketsAtWork.com ($283.38 7 Guests $40.49 ea)
$40.48
9/30-10/1/2018
Sun/Mon
TicketsAtWork.com ($372.00 7 Guests $53.14 ea)
$53.14
10/1/2018
Monday
Antoine's Restaurant (Alcohol $71.75/8 $8.97 ea)
$8.97
Tips
$15.00
Me}�er, 21-025
Page 3 7
Total $697.66
WEFTEC 2019, CHICAGO
108. WEFTEC 2019 was held in Chicago, Illinois at the McCormick Place Convention Center,
2301 South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.
a. The Exhibition Hall at McCormick Place Convention Center was open Monday,
September 23, 2019, and Tuesday, September 24, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
each day, and Wednesday, September 25, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
b. The Authority paid $75.00/person for access only to the Exhibition Hall for the
Authority representatives and their guests.
C. The total registration charge was $450,00, indicating that six individual passes to
the Exhibition Hall were purchased.
The Authority paid $75.00 for Meyer to access only the Exhibition Hall.
2. Klink's credit card statement showed payment of the $450.00 registration
fees via internet payment on October 25, 2019.
aa. At its November 6, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the October 2019 financial report which
included the $15,048.14 total payment to First National Bank Visa
credit card 5754.
i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2019
financial report.
109. Meyer submitted an expense statement to the Authority, seeking reimbursement for
expenses he incurred, including $324.00 for his roundtrip flight to Chicago.
a. Meyer attached a Southwest flight schedule for a roundtrip flight from John Glenn
Columbus International Airport to Chicago Midway Airport, departing Saturday,
September 21, 2019, and returning Wednesday, September 25, 2019.
b. Meyer also attached receipts for airport parking for the same dates ($38.50) and cab
dated Monday, September 23, 2019, for $15.90, including a $2.65 tip.
C. The Authority issued check #12374 dated October 30, 2019, in the amount of
$378.40, with facsimile signatures of Kean Staab and Tucker and Klink's initials,
made payable to Meyer.
At the November 6, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board
voted to approve the October 2019 financial report which included check
H12374 payable to Meyer in the amount of $378.40.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 3 8
aa. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2019 financial
report.
110. In its 2019 Conference Announcement, WEF provided an online address and a phone
number for attendees to book their hotel and a website to download a list of the official
conference hotels offering discounted rates ranging from $195.00/night to $299.00/night.
a. The Authority representatives and their guests stayed at the Ivy Boutique Hotel,
233 East Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60611.
The Ivy Boutique Hotel was not an official WEFTEC 2019 hotel.
b. Meyer's room was booked for Saturday night September 21, 2019, through
Tuesday night September 24, 2019.
C. Meyer's nightly room rate was $399.00 plus taxes of $69,43, totaling $468.43 for
his Saturday stay, and $369.00 plus taxes of $64.21, totaling $433.21 for his
Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday night stays.
1. The rooms were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
2. As a result of not choosing one of the official WEFTEC hotels, the
Authority had to pay an additional cost per room of $82.18/night more than
the highest nightly rate of the WEFTEC recommended hotels.
111. Charges to Meyer's room account at Ivy Boutique Hotel in 2019 were as follows:
Taxes &
Hotel
Room
Related
Room
Charllis
Date
Weekday
Rate
Charees
Charge
per Day
9/21/2019
Saturday
$399.00
$69.43
$13.01
$481.44
9/22/2019
Sunday
$369,00
$64.21
$5.00
$438.21
9/2312019
Monday
$369.00
$64.21
$10.06
$443.27
9/24/2019
Tuesday
$369.00
$64.21
-
$433.21
$1,506.00
$262.06
$28.07
$1,796.13
a. By staying in Chicago on Saturday night, when the Exhibition Hall did not open
until Monday and the badges could only be picked up on Sunday, the Authority
representatives incurred an additional hotel charge of $468.43.
b. Meyer's hotel charges of $1,796.13 were paid via Klink's Authority -issued Visa
credit card 5754 on September 25, 2019.
1. Klink's credit card statement reflecting Meyer's hotel charges of $t,796.13
was paid via internet payment on October 25, 2019.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 39
aa. At its November 6, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority
Board voted to approve the October 2019 financial report which
included the $15,049.14 total payment to First National Batrlc Visa
credit card 5754.
i. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2019
financial report.
112. While at WEFTEC 2019, the Authority travelers had group dinners at Riva Ristorante,
Gene and Georgetti, and GT Prime.
a. The group dinners were charged to Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card 5754.
9/21/2019 Saturday Riva Ristorante $672.50
9/23/2019 Monday Gene & Georgetti $698.26
9/24/2019 Tuesday GT Prime $704.81
113. Klink turned in the guest copy of the credit card charge receipt for the Saturday,
September 21, 2019, meal at Riva Navy Pier, which showed that Klink's Authority -issued
Visa credit card 5754 was swiped at 8:28 p.m. and the total bill was $672.50.
a. There were seven guests at the group meal, for an individual meal cost of
$96.07/guest.
114. Klink turned in the guest copy of the credit card charge receipt for the Monday, September
23, 2019, meal at Gene & Georgetti, which showed that Klink's Authority -issued Visa
credit card 5754 was swiped at 8:17 p.m. and the total bill was $698.26.
a. There were seven guests at the group meal, for an individual meal cost of
$99.75/guest.
115. Klink turned in the guest copy of the credit card charge receipt for the Tuesday,
September 24, 2019, meal at GT Prime, which showed that Klink's Authority -issued Visa
credit card 5754 was swiped at 8:26 p.m., the check amount was $579.91, and the tip was
$125.00, for a total bill of $704.81,
a. The GT Prime itemized receipt showed that there were seven guests at the group
meal, and the individual meal cost was $100.69/guest.
116. Klink's Authority -issued Visa credit card statement reflecting the charges for group
dinners, the hotel charges, taxi charges, and other Chicago -related expenses was paid via
internet payment on October 25, 2019.
a. At its November 6, 2019, Authority Board meeting, the Authority Board voted to
approve the October 2019 financial report which included the $561.42 total
payment for First National Bank Visa credit card 5754.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 40
1. Meyer was present and voted to approve the October 2019 financial report.
117. The Authority paid additional personal expenses of $572,20 for Meyer to attend
WEFTEC 2019 in Chicago.
Date Item Description Amount
9/21/2019 Saturday Riva Ristorante ($672.50 guests $96.07 ea) $96.07
9/21/2019 Saturday Ivy Hotel room & tax $468,43
9/25/2019 Wednesday The Parking Spot (9/21 to 25/2019 $38.50 5 days $7.701day) $7.70
$572.20
118. Meyer, in his capacity as an Authority Board Member, realized a pecuniary benefit of no
less than $3,870.07 when he utilized the authority of his public position and voted to
approve the payment of bills relative to expenses incurred by him when attending the
PMAA Annual Conference during calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, and
WEFTEC in calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
2016
2017
2018
2019
Total
PMAA Conference $363.86
$257.02
$343,39
$10.38
$974,65
WEFTEC Conference $723.46
$902.10
$697.66
$572.20
$2,895.42
Totals by Year $1,087.32
$1,159,12
$1,041,05
$582.58
$3,870.07
RESPONSE TO AUTHORITY TRAVEL
119. During multiple Authority Board meetings, Kean Staab publicly stated that there was
nothing wrong with using Authority funds to pay all expenses incurred on trips.
120. Following an Authority Board meeting in early 2020, Kean Staab and Authority Solicitor
Alan Shaddinger talked, and Shaddinger suggested to Kean Staab that the Authority Board
needed to draft a policy regarding Authority travel.
a. With the exception of mileage reimbursement, the Authority had no formal policy
regarding travel until 2020.
121. At its April 8, 2020, meeting, the Authority Board approved policies written by Kean Staab,
including Training and Seminar (Article X) for employees, Board Members, and the
manager.
a. Article X4 states, "Board members and the Manager are permitted to attend PMAA
State Conference and National Conferences that provide educational opportunities
as approved by the Board."
b. ArticIe X5 states, "Board members shall be compensated for mileage at the federal
mileage rate, costs related to travel, and hotel costs. Meal costs of maximum of
$100.00 per day for overnight travel in state."
Meyer, 21-025
Page 41
C. Article X6 states, "Board members shall be compensated for mileage at the federal
mileage rate, costs related to travel, and hotel costs. Meal costs of maximum of
$150.00 per day for overnight travel for out of state."
122. The 2020 U.S. General Services Administration ("GSA") meals and incidentals rate for
Chicago was $76.00/day; the rate for the first and last day of travel was $57.00.
123. The 2020 U.S. GSA meals and incidentals rate for New Orleans was $71.00/day; the rate
for the first and last day of travel was $53.25.
124. On September 20, 2021, Kean Staab provided information to Commission Investigators
regarding Authority travel and what Authority attendees could or could not do.
a. Kean Staab stated there were no rules, nobody set a rule that said you had to go do
anything or go to the Exhibition Hall while at the PMAA Conference or WEFTEC;
there were no rules like that.
THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS RELATE TO THE ALLEGATIONS THAT MEYER
FAILED TO FILE STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL INTERESTS FOR CALENDAR
YEARS 2016, 2017, 2018, AND 2019 AND FILED A DEFICIENT STATEMENT OF
FINANCIAL INTERESTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2020.
125. Statements of Financial Interests ("SFIs") are required to be annually filed by public
officials/public employees with the governing authority of the political subdivision within
which he/she is appointed or elected.
a. SFIs are required to be filed by no later than May 1" of each year that a public
off cial/public employee holds public office/employment.
b. SFIs require filers to disclose financial information pertaining to the preceding
calendar year.
126. Information to be disclosed on SFIs filed by public officials and public employees is
mandated by 65 Pa.C.S. § 1105.
a. Section 1105(b)(1) through Section 1105(b)(10) identifies specific information to
be disclosed as well as exceptions to disclosure requirements when applicable.
1. Section 1105(b)(1) directs the disclosure on SFIs of the "Name, address and
public position."
127. Meyer, as a Member of the Authority Board, was required to file SFIs annually for each
calendar year in which he served on the Authority Board.
128. The Authority only had an SFI for Meyer as a Board Member for the Authority for calendar
year 2020.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 42
a.
b.
Year
The Authority did not have a record of Meyer filing SFIs as a Board Member for
calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, or 2019.
The calendar year 2020 SFI the Authority had on file included deficiencies as
follows:
Position
2020 Board Member
Signed Deficiencies
Box 04 Listed "Secretary" should be "Board Member"
Box 06 Did not answer
2/23/2020 Incorrect signature date
129. On January 26, 2022, Meyer emailed amended calendar year 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019,
and 2020 SFIs to Buffy Kornman, Authority Business Manager.
a. The amended calendar year 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 SFIs were all dated
January 26, 2022.
b. Meyer failed to identify his position as a "board member," failed to identify rental
income he received, and failed to identify his ownership/employment with YPC-
Tutor, a web hosting service.
Calendar
Year Position Signed Status
Deficiencies
04 Meyer did not identify his public position of Board Member
Board
10 Meyer did not identify rental income received
2016
Member
1/26/2022 Deficient Box 13 Meyer did not identify his ownership/employment in YPGTutor
04 Meyer did not identify his public position of Board Member
Board
10 Meyer did not identify rental income received
2017
Member
1/26/2022 Deficient Box 13 Meyer did not identify his ownership/employment in YPGTutor
04 Meyer did not identify his public position of Board Member
Board
10 Meyer did not identify rental income received
2018
Member
1/26/2022 Deficient Box 13 Meyer did not identify his ownershi /em to ment in YPC-Tutor
04 Meyer did not identify his public position of Board Member
Board
10 Meyer did not identify rental income received
2019
Member
1/26/2022 Deficient Box 13 Meyer did not identify his ownershi /em to ment in YPCTutor
04 Meyer did not identify his public position of Board Member
Board 10 Meyer did not identify rental income received
2020 Member 1/26/2022 Deficient Box 13 Meyer did not identify his ownership/employment in YPC-Tutor
III, DISCUSSION:
As a Member of the Board of the North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority
("Authority") from January 6, 2003, to January 4, 2021, Respondent Dieter Meyer ("Meyer") was
a public official subject to the provisions of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act ("Ethics
Act"), 65 Pa. C.S. § 1101 et seq.
Meer, 21-025
Page 43
The allegations are that Meyer violated Sections 1103(a), 1104(a), 1105(a), and 1105(b)(1)
of the Ethics Act:
(1) When he used the authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit
of himself and/or a member of his immediate family when he participated in
Authority votes to approve guest attendance and/or expense payments; when he
incurred and charged expenses of a personal nature to authority credit cards and
accounts when traveling on Authority business for conferences and/or conventions;
and when he submitted for reimbursement expenses of a personal nature alleged to
have been paid in cash or by personal credit card;
(2) When he approved payments to vendors and/or credit card companies or himself
for personal expenses incurred while traveling on Authority business;
(3) When he failed to file Statements of Financial Interests ("SFIs") for calendar years
2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019; and
(4) When he filed a deficient SFI for calendar year 2020 by failing to identify his
occupation or profession and incorrectly dating his form.
Pursuant to Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, a public official/public employee is
prohibited from engaging in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest:
§ 1103. Restricted activities
(a) Conflict of interest. —No public official or public
employee shall engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of
interest.
65 Pa,C.S. § 1103(a).
The term "conflict of interest" is defined in the Ethics Act as follows:
§ 1102. Definitions
"Conflict" or "conflict of interest." Use by a public
official or public employee of the authority of his office or
employment or any confidential information received through his
holding public office or employment for the private pecuniary
benefit of himself, a member of his immediate family or a business
with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated.
The term does not include an action having a de minimis economic
impact or which affects to the same degree a class consisting of the
general public or a subclass consisting of an industry, occupation or
other group which includes the public official or public employee, a
member of his immediate family or a business with which he or a
member of his immediate family is associated.
Meyer, 21-025
Page 44
65 Pa.C.S. § 1102.
Subject to the statutory exclusions to the Ethics Act's definition of the term "conflict" or
"conflict of interest," 65 Pa.C.S. § 1102, pursuant to Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, a public
official/public employee is prohibited from using the authority of public office/employment or
confidential information received by holding such a public position for the private pecuniary
benefit of the public official/public employee himself, any member of his immediate family, or a
business with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated.
Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act provides that each public official/public employee must
file an SFI for the preceding calendar year, by May 1 of each year that he holds the position and
the year after he leaves it.
Section 1105(a) of the Ethics Act provides that the SFl shall be filed on the form prescribed
by this Commission; that all information requested on the form shall be provided to the best of the
knowledge, information and belief of the filer; and that the form shall be signed under oath or
equivalent affirmation.
Section 1105(b) of the Ethics Act and its subsections detail the information that a person
required to file the SFI form must disclose.
Section 1105(b)(2) of the Ethics Act requires the filer to disclose on the SFI his occupation
or profession.
As noted above, the parties have submitted a Consent Agreement and Stipulation of
Findings. The parties` Stipulated Findings are set forth above as the Findings of this Commission.
We shall now summarize the relevant facts as contained therein.
Background
The Authority was established by North Shenango Township and South Shenango
Township. The purpose of the Authority is to construct, finance, and operate a wastewater
treatment facility for the area of North and South Shenango Townships. The Authority is governed
by a six -Member Board, with three Members appointed by the North Shenango Township
Supervisors and three Members appointed by the South Shenango Township Supervisors. When
the Authority was established, the North and South Shenango Township Supervisors chose not to
allow Authority Board Members to be compensated.
On January 6, 2003, Meyer began serving on the Authority Board as an appointee of North
Shenango Township. Although Meyer lived out of state, he qualified for service on the Authority
Board as a result of owning property in North Shenango Township, and he attended Authority
Board meetings via telephone or a web conference platform. Meyer resigned from the Authority
Board effective January 4, 2021.
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Prior to 2020, the Authority did not have a comprehensive operations manual outlining its
day-to-day operations. In January 2016, the Authority Board voted to approve the payment of out-
of-pocket expenses related to travel for training for Authority Board Members and employees. In
January 2017, January 2018, and January 2019, the Authority Board voted to approve payment of
out-of-pocket expenses and mileage related to travel for training for Authority Board Members
and employees and their guests. The Authority Board did not vote on attending specific
conferences, trainings or meetings, and minutes of Authority Board meetings from 2016 onward
do not show any discussion or information shared as to what was learned when Authority Board
Members or employees attended conferences, trainings, or meetings.
From 2013 through 2019, the Authority's annual budget had a line item for Authority
Board expenses which included funds to travel to conferences, trainings, and meetings. As detailed
in Fact Finding 17a, each year from 2014 through 2019, the Authority budgeted $10,000 for
Authority Board expenses, with the exception of 2015, when the Authority budgeted $20,000 for
such expenses. Each year from 2014 through 2019 the amount spent on Authority Board expenses
exceeded the expense budget. As detailed in Fact Finding 17a, the yearly amount spent in excess
of the expense budget ranged from $5,945 to $20,522.
In or around 2016, the Authority issued First National Bank Visa credit cards to the
Authority General Manager, Michael Klink ("Klink"), and the Authority Secretary/Bookk-ceper,
Susan Dvorsky ("Dvorsky"). Expenses that were incurred by Authority Board Members when
traveling were typically charged to Klink's and Dvorsky's Authority -issued credit cards.
Meyer's Expenses for Attendina Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association Events
The Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association ("PMAA") is the recognized
association for municipal authorities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PMAA was
established "to assist municipal authorities in providing services that protect and enhance the
environment and promote the economic vitality and general welfare of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and its citizens."
PMAA holds an Annual Conference and Trade Show ("Annual Conference") for its
Members. Each year from at least 2016 through 2019, Meyer attended the Annual Conference,
which was held in August or September over a four -day period that began on a Sunday and ended
the following Wednesday. The Authority paid for Meyer's Annual Conference registration fee
and his lodging. Registration for the Annual Conference took place on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to
6:00 p.m., and the Annual Conference "Welcome" began at 8:00 or 8:30 p.m, that night.
Each year from 2016 through 2018, Meyer arrived at the location hosting the Annual
Conference on Saturday and stayed at a hotel/lodge overnight even though the Annual Conference
"Welcome" did not begin until Sunday evening. The costs for lodging, meals, and other travel -
related expenses that would not have been incurred but for Meyer's early arrival for the Annual
Conference were charged to Klink's Authority -issued credit card. Meyer did not arrive a day early
for the 2019 Annual Conference.
Meyer, 21-025
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Each year from 2016 through 2019, the Authority paid $59.00 for Meyer to attend an
evening Awards Banquet at the Annual Conference. At the 2016 Annual Conference and at the
2018 Annual Conference, Meyer joined other Authority representatives for food and drinks at a
restaurant/bar the evening of the Awards Banquet. The costs of the Authority representatives' food
and drinks were charged to Klink's Authority -issued credit card even though the Authority had
paid for the Authority representatives to attend the Awards Banquet.
Each year from 2016 through 2019, the Authority paid various personal expenses incurred
by Meyer in relation to his attendance at the Annual Conference. These personal expenses are
summarized below.
(1) 2016 Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from Sunday, August 28
through Wednesday, August 31, personal expenses totaling $363.86, including: (a)
an extra hotel room charge of $215.46, $48.66 for food expenses, and $30.00 for
valet parking related to Meyer's early arrival on Saturday, August 27; (b) $38.15,
representing Meyer's share of the cost of food/drinks for a gathering of Authority
representatives before the Awards Banquet; (c) $21.59, representing Meyer's share
of the cost of food/drinks for a gathering of Authority representatives after the
Awards Banquet; and (d) $10.00 for a taxi. See, Fact Finding 34.
(2) 2017 Annual Conference, Hershey, Pennsylvania, from Sunday, September 10
through Wednesday, September 13, personal expenses totaling $257.02, including:
(a) an extra lodging charge of $209.79 and $20.48 for food expenses related to
Meyer's early arrival on Saturday, September 9; (b) $23.00 for alcoholic beverages
charged to Meyer's room on Saturday; and (c) $3.75 for an ice cream cone
purchased early Sunday afternoon. See, Fact Finding 42.
(3) 2018 Annual Conference, Erie, Pennsylvania, from Sunday, September 9 through
Wednesday, September 12, personal expenses totaling $343.39, including: (a) an
extra hotel room charge of $283.63 related to Meyer's early arrival on Saturday,
September 8; (b) $19.66 for food and an alcoholic beverage charged to Meyer's
room on Saturday; (c) $6.62 for food charged to Meyer's room Sunday morning;
(d) $21.10, representing Meyer's share of the cost of food/drinks for a gathering of
Authority representatives before the Awards Banquet; and (e) $12.38, representing
Meyer's share of the cost of drinks for a gathering of Authority representatives after
an Annual Conference dinner. See, Fact Finding 51.
(4) 2019 Annual Conference, Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania, from Sunday, September
8 through Wednesday, September 11, personal expenses totaling $10.3 8 for an
alcoholic drink. See, Fact Finding 58.
Meyer's Expenses for AttendinL, Water Environment Federation Events
The Water Environment Federation ("WEF") is a not for profit technical and educational
organization of individual members and affiliated member associations representing water quality
professionals around the world, and it provides technical education and training for water quality
Meyer, 21-025
Page 47
professionals who clean water and return it safely to the environment. WEF has an annual
Technical Exhibition and Conference ("WEFTEC"). WEFTEC runs from a Saturday through the
following Wednesday, with an Exhibition Hall open from Monday through Wednesday. The
Exhibition Hall includes vendor displays of pump systems, wastewater treatment products, and
technology advancements. Most of the products at the Exhibition Hall are the same each year. An
attendee can register to attend the full conference or register only for admission to the Exhibition
Hall.
At an Authority Board meeting in August 2013, Authority General Manager Klink asked
for approval to attend WEFTEC in Chicago, Illinois in October 2013. At the meeting, it was
agreed that any Authority Board Members were welcome to attend WEFTEC with all expenses
paid by the Authority. Authority Board Members and Klink have been attending WEFTEC since
at least 2013.
Each year from 2016 through 2019, Meyer, Authority Board Member Valerie Kean Staab
("Kean Staab"), Authority Board Member John Tucker ("Tucker") and his guest, and Klink and
his guest attended WEFTEC. The attendees were registered only for the Exhibition Hall.
Each year from 2016 through 2019, Meyer flew to the city hosting WEFTEC on Saturday
even though the Exhibition Hall did not open until Monday. The time that Meyer spent in the host
city on Saturday was not related to Authority business. From 2016 through 2018, Meyer's travel
expenses at times included costs for lodging and meals that were incurred as a result of Meyer
staying at a hotel overnight Friday before flying to WEFTEC on Saturday, staying at a hotel an
extra night in the host city, or staying overnight at a hotel after returning from WEFTEC.
Each year from 2016 through 2019, Meyer joined other Authority representatives and their
guests who had arrived early for WEFTEC for group meals on Saturday. These group meals were
charged to Klink's Authority -issued credit card. The Authority representatives and their guests
also participated in individual or group excursions or other tourist -type experiences, usually on a
Saturday or Sunday, that were unrelated to WEFTEC and social in nature and that were charged
to Klink's Authority -issued credit card. Other expenses were charged to credit cards that the
Authority issued to Kean Staab, Tucker, or other Authority representatives.
Each year the Authority paid various personal expenses incurred by Meyer in relation to
his attendance at WEFTEC. The Authority paid these personal expenses either as a result of the
use of Authority -issued credit cards or as a result of the Authority issuing checks as reimbursement
for claimed expenses. The personal expenses paid by the Authority included: (1) lodging and meal
costs that were incurred only as a result of Meyer traveling to the city hosting WEFTEC on
Saturday; (2) other lodging and meal costs that were incurred only as a result of Meyer staying at
a hotel overnight Friday before flying to WEFTEC on Saturday, staying at a hotel an extra night
in the host city, or staying at a hotel after returning from WEFTEC; (3) Meyer's share of the costs
of group meals that took place on Saturday, two days before the Exhibition Hall opened; and (4)
costs related to Meyer's participation in excursions or other tourist -type experiences.
WEFTEC 2016
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For WEFTEC 2016, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Exhibition Hall was open from
Monday, September 26, through Wednesday, September 28. Meyer stayed at the Hampton Inn at
Pittsburgh International Airport overnight Friday, September 23, before flying to the host city on
Saturday, September 24. After Meyer flew back to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, September 27, after
attending WEFTEC 2016, he again stayed overnight at the Hampton Inn at Pittsburgh International
Airport.
The personal expenses paid by the Authority totaled $723.46 and included: (a) an extra
hotel room charge of $135.66 incurred as a result of Meyer staying at the Hampton Inn at
Pittsburgh International Airport overnight Friday; (b) an extra hotel room charge of $243.92
incurred as a result of Meyer arriving in New Orleans on Saturday; (c) $79.42, representing
Meyer's share of the costs of two Saturday group meals; (d) $98.00 for a ticket for Meyer to take
a swamp/plantation tour through Cajun Pride Tours; and (e) an extra hotel room charge of $166.46
incurred as a result of Meyer staying at the Hampton Inn at Pittsburgh International Airport after
returning from WEFTEC 2016. See, Fact Finding 83.
WEFTEC 2017
For WEFTEC 2017, in Chicago, Illinois, the Exhibition Hall was open from Monday,
October 2, through Wednesday, October 4. Meyer flew to Chicago on Saturday, September 30,
and he stayed in Chicago an extra night before he returned from WEFTEC 2017. The personal
expenses paid by the Authority totaled $902.10 and included; (a) an extra hotel room charge of
$374.51 incurred as a result of Meyer arriving in Chicago on Saturday; (b) $85.05, representing
Meyer's share of the cost of a Saturday group dinner; (c) $15.00 for a ticket for Meyer to ride the
Centennial Wheel at the Navy Pier and $39.95 for a ticket for Meyer for a tour bus/double decker
bus to visit tourist spots; (d) $13.08 for alcohol; and (e) an extra hotel room charge of $374,51
incurred as a result of Meyer staying in Chicago an extra night before returning from WEFTEC
2017. See, Fact Finding 94.
WEFTEC 2018
For WE, 2018, in New Orleans, the Exhibition Hall was open from Monday, October
1, through Wednesday, October 3. Meyer stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton at Columbus Ohio
Airport overnight Friday, September 29, before flying to New Orleans on Saturday, September 29.
The personal expenses paid by the Authority totaled $697,66 and included: (a) an extra hotel room
charge of $149.85 incurred as a result of Meyer staying at the Four Points by Sheraton at Columbus
Ohio Airport overnight Friday; (b) an extra hotel room charge of $257.74 incurred as a result of
Meyer arriving in New Orleans on Saturday; (c) various amounts representing Meyer's share of
the costs of a Saturday group dinner, a Sunday group brunch, and alcoholic beverages; (d) $53.14
for a sightseeing pass for Meyer; and (e) $15.00 for tips. See, Fact Finding 107.
WEFTEC 2019
For WEFTEC 2019, in Chicago, the Exhibition Hall was open from Monday, September
23, through Wednesday, September 25. Meyer flew to Chicago on Saturday, September 21. The
personal expenses paid by the Authority totaled $572.20 and included: (a) an extra hotel room
Meyer, 21-025
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charge of $468.43 incurred as a result of Meyer arriving in Chicago on Saturday; (b) $96.07,
representing Meyer's share of the cost of a Saturday group dinner; and (c) $7.70 for an additional
day of parking. Sce, Fact Finding 117.
Meyer's Approval of Payments for Personal Expenses
From 2016 through 2019, Meyer, as an Authority Board Member, voted to approve
approximately eight monthly financial reports that included payments for personal expenses
related to his attendance at PMAA's Annual Conference and WEFTEC. These payments included
payments to the bank that issued the Authority's credit cards and checks payable to Meyer as
reimbursement for expenses that he claimed. The parties have stipulated that Meyer realized a
pecuniary benefit of no less than $3,970.07 when he voted to approve payments for personal
expenses that he incurred in relation to his attendance at the aforesaid events.
MUer's SFIs
As an Authority Board Member, Meyer was annually required to file an SFI by May I
containing information for the prior calendar year. The Authority had no record of Meyer filing
SFIs for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, or 2019 and had only an SFI for Meyer for calendar
year 2020. Meyer's SFI for calendar year 2020 did not correctly identify his public position, did
not list his occupation or profession, and was incorrectly dated. Although Meyer filed SFI forms
for calendar years 2016 through 2020 with the Authority on January 26, 2022, his forms contained
multiple deficiencies as detailed in Fact Finding 129 b.
Having highlighted the Stipulated Findings and issues before us, we shall now apply the
Ethics Act to determine the proper disposition of this case.
The parties' Consent Agreement sets forth a proposed resolution of the allegations as
follows:
The Investigative Division will recommend the following in relation
to the above allegations:
That a violation of Section 1103(a) of the Public
Official and Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §
1103(a), occurred when Meyer used the authority of
his public position for the private pecuniary benefit
of himself when he incurred and caused to be
charged expenses of a personal nature to Authority
credit cards and accounts when traveling on
Authority business for conferences and/or
conventions; and when he submitted for
reimbursement expenses of a personal nature paid in
cash or personal credit card; and when he
participated in Authority votes to approve expense
payments, including credit cards or to himself, and
Meyer., 21-025
Page 50
which included the personal expenses referenced
above;
b. That a violation of Section 1104(a) of the Public
Official and Employee Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §
1104(a), occurred when Meyer failed to file
Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years
2016, 20t7, 2018, and 2019; and
C. That a violation of Sections 1105(a) and 1105(b)(2)
of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, 65
Pa.C.S. §§ 1105(a), 1105(b)(2), occurred when
Meyer filed a deficient Statement of Financial
Interests for calendar year 2020 by failing to identify
his occupation or profession and incorrectly dating
his form.
4. Meyer agrees to make payment in the amount of $3,500.00 in
settlement of this matter and forwarded to the Pennsylvania State
Ethics Commission, within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the
final adjudication in this matter:
a. Of that amount, $2,500.00 shall be payable to the
North and South Shenango Joint Municipal
Authority, and
b. Of that amount, $1,000.00 shall be payable to the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in satisfaction of
the civil penalty for the failure to file and deficient
filing of Meyer's Statements of Financial Interests
from 2016 through 2020.
5. Meyer agrees to file complete and accurate Statements of Financial
Interests for calendar years 2016 through 2019 and an amended
Statement of Financial Interests for calendar year 2020 with North
and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority, through the
Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, within thirty (30) days of
the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter.
6. Meyer agrees to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or
other payment from North and South Shenango Joint Municipal
Authority representing a full or partial reimbursement of the amount
paid in settlement of this matter.
7. The Investigative Division will recommend that the State Ethics
Commission take no further action in this matter; and make no
Meyer, 21-025
Page 51
specific recommendations to any law enforcement or other authority
to take action in this matter. Such, however, does not prohibit the
Commission from initiating appropriate enforcement actions in the
event of Respondent's failure to comply with this agreement or the
Commission's order or cooperating with any other authority who
may so choose to review this matter further.
a. The Respondent has been advised that as a matter of
course, all orders from the Commission are provided
to the Attorney General, albeit without any specific
recommendations pursuant to paragraph 7 above.
b. The Respondent has been advised that all orders
become public records and may be acted upon by law
enforcement as they deem appropriate.
C. The non -referral language contained in this
paragraph is considered an essential part of the
negotiated consent agreement.
Consent Agreement, at 1-3.
In considering the Consent Agreement, we accept the parties' recommendation for a
finding that a violation of Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act occurred when Meyer used the
authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit of himself when he caused
expenses of a personal nature incurred when traveling on Authority business for conferences
and/or conventions to be charged to Authority credit cards and accounts; when he submitted for
reimbursement expenses of a personal nature paid in cash or by personal credit card; and when he
participated in Authority votes to approve expense payments to credit cards or himself which
included the aforesaid personal expenses.
As detailed above, each year from 2016 through 2019, Meyer attended the PMAA Annual
Conference and WEFTEC. Meyer incurred various personal expenses in relation to his attendance
at these events, and his personal expenses were paid by the Authority through the use of Authority -
issued credit cards or through reimbursement for expenses charged to personal credit cards or paid
by cash.
Meyer used the authority of his public position as a Member of the Authority Board when
he: (1) extended his trips to three PMAA Annual Conferences at the Authority's expense by
arriving a day early; (2) extended his trips to WEFTEC at the Authority's expense by flying to the
host city a day early each year and staying at lodging more nights than were necessary for his trips;
(3) participated at the Authority's expense in group meals and other gatherings of Authority
representatives at PMAA Annual Conferences and WEFTEC that were not related to Authority
business at those events; (4) sought reimbursement for personal expenses related to his attendance
at WEFTEC; and (5) voted to approve approximately eight monthly financial reports that included
payments — consisting of payments to the bank that issued the Authority's credit cards and checks
Meyer, 21-025
Page 52
payable to Meyer — for personal expenses related to his attendance at PMAA Annual Conferences
and WEFTEC. Meyer realized a private pecuniary benefit of no less than $3,870.07 when he voted
to approve payments for personal expenses that he incurred in relation to his attendance at the
aforesaid events.
With each element of the recommended violation of Section 1103(a) established, we hold
that a violation of Section 1 t03(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1 t03(a), occurred when Meyer
used the authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit of himself when he caused
expenses of a personal nature incurred when traveling on Authority business for conferences
and/or conventions to be charged to Authority credit cards and accounts; when he submitted for
reimbursement expenses of a personal nature paid in cash or by personal credit card; and when he
participated in Authority votes to approve expense payments to credit cards or himself which
included the aforesaid personal expenses.
Turning to the allegations regarding Meyer's SFIs, we agree with the parties, and we hold,
that: (1) a violation of Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1104(a), occurred when
Meyer failed to file SFIs for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019; and (2) a violation of
Sections 1105(a) and I I05(b)(2) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §§ I I05(a) and 1105(b)(2), occurred
when Meyer filed a deficient SFl for calendar year 2020 by failing to identify his occupation or
profession and incorrectly dating his form.
As part of the Consent Agreement, Meyer has agreed to make payment in the total amount
of $3,500.00 in settlement of this matter as follows. Meyer has agreed to make payment in the
amount of $2,500.00 payable to the Authority and forwarded to this Commission within thirty (30)
days of the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter. Meyer has further agreed to make
payment in the amount of $1,000.00 payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania---- representing
a civil penalty for his delinquent or deficient SFIs for calendar years 2016 through 2020 — within
thirty (30) days of the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter.
Meyer has agreed to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from
the Authority representing a full or partial reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement of this
matter. Meyer has further agreed to file complete and accurate SFIs for calendar years 2016
through 2019 and an amended SFI for calendar year 2020 with the Authority, through this
Commission, within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the final adjudication in this matter.
We determine that the Consent Agreement submitted by the parties sets forth a proper
disposition for this case, based upon our review as reflected in the above analysis and the totality
of the facts and circumstances.
Accordingly, per the Consent Agreement of the parties, Meyer is directed to make payment
in the amount of $2,500.00 payable to North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority and
forwarded to this Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30"') day after the mailing date of this
adjudication and Order. Meyer is further directed to make payment in the amount of $1,000.00
payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and forwarded to this Commission by no later than
the thirtieth (30"') day after the mailing date of this adjudication and Order.
Meyer., 21-025
Page 53
Meyer is directed to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from
the Authority representing a full or partial reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement of this
matter.
To the extent he has not already done so, Meyer is directed to file complete and accurate
SFIs for calendar years 2016 through 2019 and an amended SFI for calendar year 2020 with the
Authority, through this Commission, by no later than the thirtieth (30"') day after the mailing date
of this adjudication and Order.
Compliance with the foregoing will result in the closing of this case with no further action
by this Commission. Noncompliance will result in the institution of an order enforcement action.
IV. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW:
As a Member of the Board of the North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority
("Authority") from January 6, 2003, to January 4, 2021, Respondent Dieter Meyer
("Meyer") was a public official subject to the provisions of the Public Official and
Employee Ethics Act ("Ethics Act"), 65 Pa.C.S. § 1101 et seMC .
2. A violation of Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1103(a), occurred when
Meyer used the authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit of himself
when he caused expenses of a personal nature incurred when traveling on Authority
business for conferences and/or conventions to be charged to Authority credit cards and
accounts; when he submitted for reimbursement expenses of a personal nature paid in cash
or by personal credit card; and when he participated in Authority votes to approve expense
payments to credit cards or himself which included the aforesaid personal expenses.
3. A violation of Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1104(a), occurred when
Meyer failed to file Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018,
and 2019.
4. A violation of Sections 1105(a) and 1105(b)(2) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §§ 1105(a)
and 1105(b)(2), occurred when Meyer filed a deficient Statement of Financial Interests for
calendar year 2020 by failing to identify his occupation or profession and incorrectly dating
his form.
In Re: Dieter Meyer, File Docket: 21-025
Respondent Date Decided: 4/12/23
Date Mailed: 4/14/23
I. A violation of Section 1103(a) of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act (`Ethics
Act"), 65 Pa.C.S, § 1103(a), occurred when Dieter Meyer ("Meyer"), as a Member of the
Board of the North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority ("Authority"), used the
authority of his public position for the private pecuniary benefit of himself when he caused
expenses of a personal nature incurred when traveling on Authority business for
conferences and/or conventions to be charged to Authority credit cards and accounts; when
he submitted for reimbursement expenses of a personal nature paid in cash or by personal
credit card; and when he participated in Authority votes to approve expense payments to
credit cards or himself which included the aforesaid personal expenses.
2. A violation of Section 1104(a) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. § 1104(a), occurred when
Meyer failed to file Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2016, 2017, 2018,
and 2019.
3. A violation of Sections 1105(a) and 1105(b)(2) of the Ethics Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §§ 1105(a)
and 1105(b)(2), occurred when Meyer filed a deficient Statement of Financial Interests for
calendar year 2020 by failing to identify his occupation or profession and incorrectly dating
his forth.
4. Per the Consent Agreement of the parties, Meyer is directed to make payment in the amount
of $2,500.00 payable to North and South Shenango Joint Municipal Authority and
forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30")
day after the mailing date of this Order.
5. Meyer is directed to make payment in the amount of $1,000.00 payable to the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Ethics
Commission by no later than the thirtieth (30"') day after the mailing date of this Order.
6. Meyer is directed to not accept any reimbursement, compensation or other payment from
the Authority representing a full or partial reimbursement of the amount paid in settlement
of this matter.
7. To the extent he has not already done so, Meyer is directed to file complete and accurate
Statements of Financial Interests for calendar years 2016 through 2019 and an amended
Statement of Financial Interests for calendar year 2020 with the Authority, through the
Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, by no later than the thirtieth (30"') day after the
mailing date of this Order.
Compliance with paragraphs 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this Order will result in the closing of this
case with no further action by this Commission.
M_ms e, 21-025
Page 55
a. Non-compliance will result in the institution of an order enforcement action.
BY THE COMMISSION,
Shelley Y. S s, Chair